Semester in Managua, Nicaragua at Universidad Centroamericana

Nicaragua, a land of lakes and mountains, is known for its natural beauty. Its three main regions present a diversity of settings: the Pacific region offers lakes, volcanoes, tropical forests, and ocean beaches; the mountainous Central region is home to coffee plantations and rivers; and the coastline of the Atlantic region boasts rainforests and coral reefs. While tourism is growing (800,000 visitors in 2005), Nicaragua's beauty is still pristine. A recent U.N. report called Nicaragua one of the safest countries in Central America, and Interpol ranked Nicaragua with the lowest crime rate in all of Latin America.

Managua, Nicaragua's capital, was settled in 1522 and ruled by the Spanish for more than 300 years. The country achieved independence in 1834. Built on the shores of Lake Managua, the city is a network of neighborhoods. A vibrant place to visit, Managua offers handicraft markets, outstanding local cuisine, music, museums, and views of the Motombo volcano. Its hospitable residents are its greatest asset.

Fairfield University's semester program in Managua is located at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), Latin America's first private university. Founded in 1960 by the Jesuits, UCA's mission is to prepare young people for leadership roles in the development of their country. With that in mind, this program offers North American students an opportunity to understand the opportunities open to Nicaraguans as they confront issues of poverty, economic competitiveness, and infrastructure development, and offers insights into Nicaragua's relationship with world powers and trading partners. The program provides students with a transforming experience, develops awareness of social justice issues, and prepares them for committed citizenship.

"My Nicaragua experience was unforgettable. As a finance major I broadened my perspective about future career choices to include the possibility of working with developing economies. If you get a chance to study at UCA or travel the country, take it. You won't be disappointed."
Michael Burke '06, finance

Academics

The program begins with a three-week intensive Spanish language immersion course and an introduction to Nicaraguan culture. This pre-session includes a long weekend at a beach resort on the Pacific shore.

For the rest of the semester, students take four courses: the required "History of Nicaragua" and three selected from a wide range of UCA offerings*. These courses include:

• Ecology, environment, natural resources, seismology
• Theology
• Literature
• Anthropology
• Economics
• Communication
• Gender and social justice
• Arts of Nicaragua
• Supervised internship (120 hours, final paper)

Each student will be paired with a UCA student as a language partner. Through these intercambios, or exchanges, students not only improve their Spanish, but also gain the opportunity to learn about Nicaragua from their peers.

Students receive 15 Fairfield University credits. Participants should have a third-year knowledge of Spanish (at least SP 121). A cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher is required, as is junior standing, although sophomores will be considered.

*Students who have already taken HI 288, "Colonial Latin America," or HI 289, "Modern Latin America," will take four electives instead of three.

Housing

Students enjoy home stays with Nicaraguan families close to the UCA campus. Residences and families are carefully selected by UCA, and every attempt is made to place participants in homes with a native UCA student. Three meals per day are provided.

"The Nicaraguan people were welcoming and open, willing to share their homes and experience with students from Fairfield. UCA is a beautiful Jesuit campus with gorgeous tropical vegetation. The accommodations exceeded my expectations and the students and faculty were beyond helpful."
Jennifer Cataldo '06, psychology

Activities

Service Opportunities

For those students who wish to enrich their experience of Nicaragua, UCA will provide service activities during the second half of the program. Interested students can expect to devote a few hours each week for a period of up to six weeks. These activities can be tailored to each student's major or special interest. UCA campus ministry can also provide diverse service opportunities. Service activities are voluntary.

Travel

UCA, in conjunction with the country's tourism office, will organize two sightseeing trips. A UCA faculty member, assisted by UCA students majoring in tourism, will lead the trips. One trip might focus on village life in the Central region. During spring break, participants will spend a week sightseeing and enjoying the scenic beaches of Costa Rica.

Clubs and organizations at UCA are open to Fairfield participants. Joining in these activities is a great way to meet others and pursue academic or recreational interests.

Program Cost of $12,500 Includes:

• 15 Fairfield University credits with grades
• Intensive pre-session in Spanish language and Pacific shore weekend
• Home stay housing and three meals per day
• Onsite student support with 24-hour emergency coverage
• Intercambio language partner
• Full week in Costa Rica
• Two sightseeing trips in Nicaragua
• Airport pickup in Managua upon arrival
• Health/accident insurance
• International Student ID card

Note: This program offers an outstanding study abroad experience at a reduced price. Substantially less than many study abroad programs, the Fairfield Managua program offers value-added features and excellent student services.

All photos courtesy of INTUR, except Universidad Centroamericana entrance

Office of International Education/Study Abroad Office
Dolan House, second floor
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, Conn. 06824-5195
Phone: (203) 254-4332
Fax: (203) 254-4261
E-mail: studyabroadoffice@mail.fairfield.edu